Welcome Marcia Klein

Also, in November CAM welcomed a new volunteer from the USA. Marcia Klein came to work with CAM for three months, under the auspices of American Jewish World Service, (AJWS). She is the second volunteer they have sent to CAM.

Marcia is a retired social worker, who has had several other volunteer assignments in Africa and India. She is here to work with CAM staff on grant writing and English language skills.

Her husband, Stanley is here also, volunteering at Community Forest Group, another NGO in Chiang Mai. When the couple is not volunteering, they are living in Mexico and New York City, or traveling the world.

Goodbye Jan and Jeff

In November 2007, after four months, working with CAM, Jan and Jeff Hudson returned to their home and family in Australia.

While, here they completed an excellent DVD depicting CAM’s overall work and spirit. Jan also taught English to the CAM staff.

CAM is very appreciative of Jan and Jeff’s compassionate effort on their behalf. We hope they will return soon.

INTERFAITH GROUP FOR PEACE IN BURMA

In September, Buddhist monks, nuns, and the people of Burma, demonstrated for peace and freedom. The Burmese junta responded with violence, causing more than 200 deaths. Thousands have been imprisoned, receiving inhumane treatment.

As a response to this violence, the Interfaith Group for Peace in Burma has been formed, to show spiritual solidarity and call for peaceful transformation in Burma.

On Thursday evening, 4th of October, about 250 people, including Buddhists, Moslems and Christians, gathered at Buddhasathan, Chiang Mai, for prayer for peace in Burma. The meeting was conducted in Burmese, Thai and English, with representatives from each of the three faiths, leading in prayer.

Many photos of the violence were displayed, T-shirts calling for peace in Burma were for sale, and traditional songs and dancing were performed.

This is all part of a number of activities, over 4 days, including three peace walks, discussion and films about Burma.